Sometimes a call-up is made just in case. Sometimes one is a sign of a bigger problem.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are leaving people to make their own conclusions, at least for the time being, about recalling goalie Tristan Jarry on Sunday.
Does it mean that Matt Murray’s injury, suffered against the Philadelphia Flyers in a game that was more or less meaningless* for the Penguins, is a concern?
Could it also mean that the rumbles of optimism about Marc-Andre Fleury were ill-founded?
At least two media reactions seem to capture the split impressions:
Interesting. Feeling all along is that Marc-Andre Fleury would be ready for Game 1. May just be insurance. https://t.co/LLUZil4r1q
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 10, 2016
There’s at least the outside chance that the Penguins may enter the playoffs with Jeff Zatkoff and Jarry as their two goalies.
In case you’re wondering, Jarry’s a second-round pick (44th overall in 2013) whose AHL numbers seem to say “Not quite ready yet.”
If this worst-case scenario happens, it will be yet another chapter in the sad story of the Penguins getting hit with injuries heading into the playoffs (they’re already playing without Evgeni Malkin, after all). We’ll find out, sooner or later, if these worries are for naught.
GM Jim Rutherford says Tristan Jarry's recall does "not necessarily" mean Fleury and/or Murray will be unavailable when playoffs start.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPGH) April 10, 2016
The Penguins also recalled Tom Sestito, by the way.
* - You know, if you don’t see the meaning in trying to spurn your bitter rivals ...